astronomer

noun

as·​tron·​o·​mer ə-ˈsträ-nə-mər 

: a person who is skilled in astronomy or who makes observations of celestial phenomena

Examples of astronomer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Between Hubble's first image of the Trifid taken in 1997 and this new image, astronomers have been able to measure the speed of the jet and see how its size and structure have changed during the intervening 29 years. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026

The origin of this structure is still a mystery, according to the astronomers. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026

Only a fraction of all stars can have their planets detected, but every star can have their percentage of heavy elements (what astronomers call metallicity) measured. —Big Think, 17 Apr. 2026

The team of astronomers credited for Apophis' discovery – David Tholen, Fabrizio Bernardi and the late Roy Tucker – were also responsible for coming up with the asteroid's ominous name. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "one versed in astronomy or astrology," from astronomie astronomy + -er -er entry 2

Note: Alternatively, Oxford English Dictionary, third edition, and Middle English Dictionary see the English word as derived from Medieval and Late Latin astronomus "astronomer" (borrowed from Greek astronómos) plus the agent suffix -er.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for astronomer

• ionomer
• monomer